Could the Celibacy Requirement Change?

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[louisisbored]

Dear Fr Casey,
For a long time I was an atheist, but I converted to Christianity in the form of Protestantism last year. I then became very interested in Catholicism and your channel has helped me understand and love the faith so much! I have recently joined an RCIA programme. People like you make the Catholic church far less intimidating for me.

[outcastcarpers]

I personally know a married priest. He was an ordained priest in the Anglican faith. He was converted to Catholicism and ordained a Catholic priest. He has to attend the Vatican periodically. He is one of the best priests I have ever known. The fact he is married and has 2 children humanises him in my opinion

[AlonewithAnkit]

Celibacy is an incredibly powerful force for the human body.
I also know a few Jain and Buddhist monks in India who have been celibate since birth. They exhibit remarkable calmness, emotional strength, freedom from anxiety and acute stress, high energy levels for physical movements, exceptional control over their senses and thoughts, and an iron-clad discipline. This state is profoundly empowering.

As celibacy has been associated with religion, many people see it as a "forced or unnatural" pratice, disregarding the benefits.

[annasenkina]

I’m Eastern Orthodox and I like the fact that I can get some advice on family life from my priest :)

I like the way it is now at my church: a future priest can choose either path (celibacy or marriage) and be useful to the parish in the state he is called to by God

[michaelmaher]

Excellent summary. As some of the comments note, more discussion of the Roman Church’s recent experience with former Anglican/ Episcopalian married priests now ordained as Catholic priests would be helpful in assessing the validity of the “no distractions” argument, which I, and the Eastern church, think is very weak. Married doctors get out of bed at 3 am to deliver babies; married priests can do the same to visit the dying. As you point out, St Peter was married and he was Jesus’ first choice. Maybe he should be the model for diocesan priests. St Paul, who was not one of the apostles, wasn’t married. Maybe he should be the model for religious order priests living in community. Seems obvious both should be allowed to coexist and that we have tied ourselves up in theological knots since then.

[williamburford]

In my Orthodox parish the priest is married. His family is a blessing to the church. One of his daughters has become a nun, another sings in the choir, and his wife organizes events and fundraisers. I don't mean to disparage the Western practice only to give an anecdote on the Eastern practice.

[TeacherMark-gbbc]

That was a long research made into a brief relatable video! Thank you for sharing Father!

[Bless]

Thank you for having Inigo Montoya make a cameo in this video 🤠

[philiphumphrey]

We had an ex Anglican married priest in charge of our parish for 10 years. He was one of the best priests we've ever had, the congregation increased in his time. But I still can't see any reason to change the rule, because if you look at the Church of England, there is no net advantage in having married priests, what you gain in some ways you lose in others.

[GrantQuinn]

A couple of thoughts:
1. Sexual relations (consensual) between a married couple should never be seen as somehow wrong or impure.
2. Allowing married priests won’t prevent child sexual abuse by the clergy. We know most child sexual abuse occurs within families.

[Spencercola]

While I understand the reasonings as a Catholic myself, the Bible clearly indicates priests and bishop can marry.
1 Timothy Chapter 3: 1 [a]This saying is trustworthy:[b] whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. 2 Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not aggressive, but gentle, not contentious, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; 5 for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God? 6 He should not be a recent convert, so that he may not become conceited and thus incur the devil’s punishment.[c] 7 He must also have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, the devil’s trap.

[nintendom]

My mom was a cook for priest for all of my life until like 4 years ago, but I will always remember her saying that it would be very difficult for priest to be married just because of how busy they are. I don't think most people realize all the things that a priest does on a daily basis between things like daily mass, pre marriage counseling, meeting with congregation etc. It's all stuff behind the scenes that many of us wouldn't think about.

[Spartacus-hcxt]

I thought priests and bishops were always forbidden from marriage until watching the last kingdom when father beocca gets married. Then I went down a rabbit hole reading about it. It’s very interesting stuff. I respect you and all church fathers for the sacrifices you make. Thank you for all that you do!

[glstka]

2:16 1Tim.3 indicated that marriage was even required of bishops. It was a test of their ability to manage people. Vss. 4-5 He must manage his own household well, keeping his children under control with perfect dignity; for if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of the church of God?

[citytrooper]

I enjoy your videos. As a member of the Ordinariate, we are full Catholics in the Anglican Tradition. Like the Eastern tradition our Bishop, Bp. Lopes, is celibate, many / most of our priests are married. A bit difficult explaining to a cradle Catholic how his priest is celibate and mine has 6 kids... but .... We'll see the impact in 100 years or so.

[JusticeConstantine]

Thank you Father Casey for this video on celibacy.

[timboslice]

I heard the top selling topic for christian books is “how to balance your responsibilities at home with your responsibilities at church” seems a lot of protestant pastors struggle. I knew one guy who’s gay son committed suicide and his other son is a violent bully. I know another who is on his 3rd wife while preaching against sexual son. I say this not to gossip but to show how difficult it really is.

[AWSKAR]

I was scared you were going to take the revolutionary side on this one but Im glad to hear you instead make the case stronger for celibate priests.

[oiausdlkasuldhflaksjdhoiausydo]

What a fantastic, serious and objective video. Kudos.

[timneji]

I would love the become a priest, but I was married before I came into full communion with the Chruch, so the door is currently closed. But so God will, one day I may able to serve as a priest, and if not I’m sure the Lord give me plenty of other opportunities to serve